Read the source spacing correctly
The linked guide gives kohlrabi 6 inches apart within rows and 12 inches apart between rows. The 6-inch figure is the in-row center interval: the distance from the center of one retained plant to the center of the next in the same row. The 12-inch figure is the separation between adjacent rows.
Treat these as the source range for the crop, not as a full garden plan. A single row does not tell you where the next row goes, how much path space you need, or how the plants will sit in a raised bed. Those choices must be made separately for your site and access needs, and this guide does not invent distances for them.
- Write down the 6-inch in-row interval and the 12-inch between-row figure from the source.
- Decide which figure applies to the line you are marking: in-row centers or row-to-row separation.
- Label the row as one row, not as the whole garden layout.
Source context: Utah State University Extension
Sowing, thinning and retained plants
The counted item is retained plants after thinning or transplanting, not seeds sown and not seedlings that emerge. Sowing can be denser than the final stand because you expect to remove extras. The number you plan and mark is the number of plants you intend to keep at the 6-inch centers.
This distinction matters when you compare a seed packet or a sowing plan with a spacing plan. A row that is sown thickly may hold many seedlings, but the retained count is what the spacing geometry describes. Mark the positions you intend to keep, then thin or transplant to those positions.
- Count intended retained plants, not seeds or germinated seedlings.
- Mark each retained position before thinning or transplanting.
- Remove extras so the kept plants sit at the planned centers.
Source context: Utah State University Extension
Worked example: one 96-inch row
The verified example uses one measured row 96 inches long, a selected 6-inch center interval, and 3-inch margins at both ends. With those inputs, the row calculator counts 16 retained plants. The first center falls at 3 inches and the last at 93 inches.
This is a geometrical example, not a recommendation to plant 16 kohlrabi in every garden. It shows how the provided 6-inch interval and the chosen end margins produce positions along one row. The 3-inch margins are example inputs, not a source spacing rule. The 12-inch between-row figure is not used in this single-row count and must be handled separately when you plan adjacent rows.
- Enter the measured row length, the 6-inch center interval and both end margins in the row calculator.
- Check that the first and last centers match the margins you entered.
- Record the retained plant count for that one row.
Source context: Utah State University Extension
What to decide separately
Access, supports, adjacent rows and mature habit are separate decisions. The source gives in-row and between-row spacing, but it does not set path widths, bed-edge clearances or how much room you need to reach and work around the plants. Choose those for your own site rather than borrowing a number from this guide.
When you add a second row, apply the 12-inch between-row figure from the source and then check your access needs around it. Keep the single-row example labeled as one row so it is not mistaken for a complete raised-bed or garden layout.
- Choose access and path space for your site without treating it as source spacing.
- Apply the 12-inch between-row figure when planning adjacent rows.
- Keep the 96-inch example labeled as one row, not a whole bed plan.
Source context: Utah State University Extension
Check your measured example
One measured 96-inch row, with selected 6-inch centers and 3-inch margins at both ends. Count 16 retained plants.
Reference and growing system: USU gives kohlrabi plants 6 inches apart within rows 12 inches apart. Count the retained plants after thinning or transplanting.
| Quantity | Calculated result |
|---|---|
| Usable row length (in) | 96 |
| Selected center spacing (in) | 6 |
| Margin at each row end (in) | 3 |
| Positions in this row | 16 |
| First center from row start (in) | 3 |
| Last center from row start (in) | 93 |
| What is being counted | retained plants |
The example uses a 96-inch row, a selected 6-inch center interval and 3-inch margins at both ends. The calculator returns 16 retained plants, with the first center at 3 inches and the last at 93 inches. The 3-inch margins are example inputs, not a source rule, and the result describes one row only. The 12-inch between-row figure is not part of this single-row count.
Count this row in the spacing calculator ↗Example inputs explain the method. Review the source context, chosen cultivar and actual site before planting or ordering.
Your before-you-plant checklist
- The row length is measured, not estimated.
- The 6-inch in-row interval is labeled as the source figure.
- The 12-inch between-row figure is kept separate from the single-row count.
- The count refers to retained plants after thinning or transplanting.
- The 96-inch example is labeled as one row, not a whole garden layout.
Questions that come up while planning
How far apart should kohlrabi be in a row?
The provided USU source gives kohlrabi plants 6 inches apart within rows. That is the in-row center interval for retained plants.
Does the 12-inch figure mean my whole raised bed is planned?
No. The 12-inch figure is the between-row spacing from the source. It does not set path widths, bed-edge clearances or a complete raised-bed layout, which you must decide separately.
Should I count seeds or retained plants?
Count retained plants after thinning or transplanting. Seeds sown and seedlings that emerge can be more numerous than the final stand.
Sources & method
Horticultural guidance is linked to its original source and regional context. Geometry and unit conversions are calculated separately. Read how we prepare and check a page.
- How to Grow Kohlrabi in Your GardenUtah State University Extension